Gas vs wood-fired pizza oven: Which one is right for you?
Choosing a pizza oven is exciting; think of all the culinary possibilities! It can feel like a big decision, though, especially if you're trying to choose between gas and wood.
Both fuel types can deliver incredible results. Both can reach high temperatures, cook pizza fast, and bring people together outdoors. They just offer slightly different cooking experiences.
Here, we explore those differences, digging into how these ovens work and what makes them such top choices. No hype. No pressure to pick a side. Just practical, balanced advice to help you find the oven that suits how you like to cook, gather, and eat.
Gas vs wood-fired pizza ovens: What’s the difference?
At their core, gas and wood-fired pizza ovens do the same job: they heat up quickly and cook pizza at high temperatures, giving you a crisp base and soft, airy crust. The difference lies in how they create that heat and the cooking experience that comes with it.
Wood-fired pizza ovens burn logs to generate intense, radiant heat. You manage the fire yourself, adding wood as needed and adjusting airflow. It’s hands-on, but many people enjoy that part of the process.
Gas pizza ovens, on the other hand, rely on a gas burner for consistent, controlled heat. You simply turn the dial and the oven gets to temperature fast, with very little upkeep during cooking.
Both ovens will take pride of place in your garden, outdoor space, or wherever you are if you choose a portable pizza oven. They can cook much more than pizza, too, think flatbreads, vegetables, fish, or a quick steak sear.
The key difference isn’t the result, though; it's how they get there.
Summarised: Wood-fired pizza oven vs gas
No time to read our full guide? We've got you covered. Check out our quick summary table for the key differences between gas and wood-fired pizza ovens.
|
Factor |
Wood-Fired Pizza Oven |
Gas Pizza Oven |
|
Flavour |
Naturally smoky, it adds character to pizza and other dishes |
Clean, neutral flavour; no smoke |
|
Heat-up time |
Around 20-30 minutes, depending on the wood and setup |
Fast – often ready in around 20 minutes |
|
Temperature control |
Manual, managed by adding wood and adjusting airflow |
Precise, dial-based control |
|
Ease of use |
Hands-on; part of the enjoyment for many cooks |
Simple and reliable; less supervision |
|
Running cost |
Wood can be inexpensive and widely available |
Depends on fuel type (propane or natural gas) |
|
Clean-up |
Requires ash removal and occasional deep cleaning |
Minimal; no ash or debris |
|
Versatility |
Excellent for pizza, bread, roasting, and slow cooking with residual heat |
Equally versatile; consistent heat suits a wide range of dishes |
|
Space requirements |
Best in well-ventilated outdoor areas |
Works well in most outdoor spaces, including smaller setups |
|
Entertaining |
Creates a traditional, atmospheric cooking setup |
Efficient for cooking multiple pizzas back-to-back |
Why choose a wood-fired pizza oven?
A wood-fired oven is all about creating heat the traditional way. For some cooks, that’s the whole appeal – a simple fuel source, a real flame, and a cooking style that feels timeless.
Flavour with character
Burning wood produces a gentle smoky aroma that lifts whatever you’re cooking. It’s subtle rather than overwhelming, and it’s something gas can’t naturally replicate. If you enjoy that hint of woodsmoke on pizza, bread, meat or vegetables, a wood-fired oven delivers it every time.
High cooking temperatures, naturally
With the right setup, our wood-fired ovens can reach temperatures around 500–550°C, which is ideal for a Neapolitan-style pizza that’s crisp on the outside, soft in the centre, and cooked in under 90 seconds.
A hands-on way to cook
Managing a wood fire takes a little practice, but many people enjoy the process: adding logs, watching the flame, adjusting the heat. It encourages you to slow down and get involved. For relaxed outdoor evenings, it’s part of the experience.
Great for cooking far more than pizza
Once the main fire cools slightly, a wood-fired oven offers steady residual heat, making it perfect for roasting vegetables, cooking fish, baking bread, or warming other dishes long after the pizza-making is done.
Why choose a gas pizza oven?
A gas pizza oven offers the same high temperatures and fast cooking as wood, just with a simpler setup. If you prefer cooking without tending a fire, gas can be a very practical choice.
Quick to heat, easy to use
Turn the dial, light the burner, and the oven gets up to temperature fast. Our Diavolo oven, for example, reaches 500°C in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight pizzas or last-minute outdoor cooking.
Precise temperature control
Gas gives you consistent, adjustable heat. So, if you want to fine-tune your cooking, for meat or vegetables, the control makes it straightforward.
Minimal clean-up
With no ash or wood debris to clear, a gas oven keeps maintenance simple. After cooking, you’ll usually just brush away a few crumbs, and you’re done.
Reliable results for everyone
Because the heat source is steady, gas ovens suit beginners just as well as seasoned pizza chefs. The learning curve is gentle, which is helpful if you’re cooking for a crowd or running a busy pizza night.
If portability is important, our Diavolo is designed to travel. It's a lightweight, portable pizza oven that can be taken to campsites, gardens, holidays or wherever outdoor cooking fits into your plans. And, it comes with everything you need to get cooking right away, including:
- Folding pizza peel
- Carry case
- Gas regulator
Choosing the right oven for you
When it comes to gas vs. wood pizza ovens, there’s no single “best” option; only the one that suits your preferred cooking style outdoors.
If you enjoy the rhythm of building a fire, adjusting the heat, and cooking with real flames, a wood-fired oven will feel rewarding from the first pizza to the last loaf of bread. It brings depth of flavour and a more hands-on experience.
If you prefer something quick, consistent and low-maintenance, a gas pizza oven is hard to beat. Turn it on, let it heat, and you’re ready to cook with steady, reliable temperatures every time.
Many home cooks also like having a little flexibility. Dual-fuel pizza ovens can offer the best of both worlds: wood smoke when you want it, gas control when you need it.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to create great pizza, try new dishes, and bring friends and family together around good food outdoors. The right oven makes that easier and more enjoyable for you.
Meet our range of wood and gas-powered pizza ovens
If you’re still weighing your options, exploring the different ovens available can help you understand which style best suits your cooking habits.
Our range includes handmade wood-fired, gas-fired, and dual-fuel pizza ovens, each designed for slightly different styles of outdoor cooking. Get to know our collection of pizza ovens here.
Delivita Wood-Fired Oven
Designed for traditional, high-heat smoke-infused cooking, this oven delivers the classic experience many people love. Our wood-fired oven heats quickly, retains heat well, and its clay-and-stone interior helps create an authentic, lightly smoky finish on pizza, bread, fish, meat, and vegetables.
It’s a great match for anyone who enjoys real-flame cooking and the hands-on feel of working with burning wood.
Diavolo gas-fired pizza oven
Compact, lightweight and fast to heat, the gas-powered Diavolo is ideal for cooks who want simplicity and speed. Designed for use on the go, the Diavolo can be used just about anywhere – festivals, campsites, the park, your friend's garden…you name it!
It's super easy to use, too: just plug in the gas bottle, fire it up, and you're ready to cook.
Delvita Flow Dual-Fuel Oven: the best of both worlds
If you want wood-fired flavour and the ease of gas, our Flow dual-fuel oven gives you both in one design. Use wood when you want real flame cooking and that subtle smoky finish, or switch to gas for quick heat and steady, reliable temperatures.
Being able to change fuels means you can cook however the moment calls for – slower, more atmospheric evenings or fast pizzas with minimal fuss for bigger gatherings and quicker eats.
Ready to choose your oven? Explore the full Delivita pizza oven range to find the model that suits your cooking style.
